Maputo – On Monday 24 January 2022, Severe Tropical Storm ‘Ana’ made landfall in Mozambique. The storm brought heavy rainfall and intense winds (100-130Km/hour) to the coastal areas of the central and northern parts of the country. The storm caused flash floods, landslides, and flooding as it moved further inland. According to the National Institute for Disaster Management and Risk Reduction (INGD) more than 141,000 people in Mozambique have been affected by the storm. Over 15,800 houses have been partially damaged, 7,729 houses destroyed and 5,941 flooded according to INGD Situational Report published on 31 January 2022. Thus far, 25 people have been confirmed dead since Ana made landfall. Relief workers on the scene state individuals have received food and water from provincial authorities and the INGD.   

 

“It all started at 10am. My neighbors and I were debating if water would come or not, and then it came! I only managed to take our clothes, documents and arrived with my 3 children at the centre the next day.” said Mila Camba. When asked if she would return to her home in the district of Tete (Tete province), she replied “I cannot go back there, it’s not a place to live. I would appreciate it if I could get land and live in a safer area.” 

 

The International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) team together with INGD, began conducting rapid assessments immediately following Ana’s arrival to understand the extent of initial displacements across accommodation centers and hosting communities as well as damage to houses and facilities across all affected localities in Tete, Niassa, Sofala, Nampula and Zambezia Provinces. 

 

The first DTM Tropical Storm Ana Flash Report, based on assessments conducted between 25 – 31 January 2022  (Flash Report Update – 31 January)  estimates 42,800 families had their houses completely/partially destroyed in the districts assessed so far. Of these 80% are in Nampula (34,244 houses), 15% in Zambezia (6,488 houses), 2% in Tete (812 houses) and 3% in Sofala (1,256 houses). In addition, 21 tents and 16 emergency shelters were completely or partially destroyed due to the rain and fierce winds. IOM/INGD identified 409 latrines and 8 water points damaged. Moreover, localities assessed so far identified at least 98 schools reporting partial and major damage. Affected schools are in Nampula (62), Zambezia (29) and Sofala (7) provinces. A total of 259 classrooms were completely or partially damaged in the affected schools. In assessed locations, 16 health centres were also completely/partially damaged in Nampula (14) and Zambezia (2). 

 

IOM continues to work closely with the Government of Mozambique, and humanitarian partners to ensure coordination in the humanitarian planning and initial response to the needs following tropical storm Ana. 

 

“Climate change increases the potential for continuous natural disasters during the rainy season which has pushed back the humanitarian response efforts since last year in conflict affected areas therefore enhancing displacement and the possible magnification of COVID-19. IOM and other UN (United Nations) sister agencies continue to assist INGD to assess the ongoing effects of the storm. Our DTM teams in the center and north of Mozambique indicate that the most urgent needs include food, tents, potable water, hygiene kits, COVID-19 prevention materials, mosquito nets, blankets, flashlights, tarps, health kits, soap and potentially cholera prevention kits” said Laura Tomm-Bonde IOM Chief of Mission in Mozambique 

 

Mozambique remains one of the most vulnerable countries in world to the impact of natural disasters. Further support to the humanitarian response as well as durable solutions in Mozambique is urgently needed.  

 

For more information, please contact: Manuel Mabuiangue at IOM Mozambique. Tel:   +258 84 7345420. Email: mmabuiangue@iom.int